Monday, December 31, 2007

2007 in hindsight / things I learned in 2007

2007 is over. Get over it. I mean, we always talk about how years seem to go by quicker and quicker, (and they totally do) but it doesn't really do anything to talk about this. I mean, get used to it. I don't think that time's going to suddenly slow down for us again . . .

Things I learned in 2007 -

Sometimes, there is no reason or rhyme to why teachers do the things they do.

People care a heck of a lot more than I ever thought they did.

The 4th Degree "racing stripe" looks just as cool as I thought it would.

It is completely within the realm of possibility for me to suck at predicting the Oscars.

Sometimes, the hardest thing in the world is making that phone call, much less getting everything you wanted to say out of your mouth.

Being a manager is LOTS better than being an ordinary staff member.

When sparring Wilbert Moore, blocking is not the best way to defend oneself. It's best to just get out of the way.

Jordan Slomovitz will never lose a sparring round at a tournament, at least until he arrives in the next division.

Being part of a wedding party is an incredible experience.

Some of the best conversations take place pacing around my living room after 10 o'clock. (and then having to stop and stay in a smaller area because my phone needs to be plugged in)

Radiohead is still the only band in the world that can completely engage your mind and soul at the same time.

Radiohead is almost incapable of making bad music.

Radiohead's "In Rainbows" is one of the year's greatest records.

I still love Radiohead.

People that don't "get" Bob Dylan are majorly missing out and should be pitied.

I can actually write decent material.

After knowing each other since high school, David and I make a great songwriting team. We just never knew it until last summer.

It is entirely possible for a summer movie season to look so good and then suck so bad. Good heavens, that was ghastly.

The Police are an amazing band.

The Foo Fighters are not.

I enjoy writing poetry. Really long-winded poetry.

Not drinking alcohol can provide for some really interesting situations and nicknames.

There is nothing between Los Angeles and Sacramento except for large trucks carrying tomatoes.

You don't have to know some people for a really long time to count them among your closest friends.

Nothing hurts more than having someone close to you die. And it never completely goes away.

Sometimes, there is no logical reason for why we don't like some people.

Sometimes, family life makes no sense whatsoever.

There are few things worse than someone who uses religious faith as a crutch and refuse to think for themselves.

White Castle hamburgers have their exalted reputation for a reason.

Dr. Perebinossoff is the MAN.

I despise pretentious talk, particularly pretentious religious talk.

Just because I may be really nervous about asking a question doesn't mean that the answer will be no.

Watching "The Godfather" with people who have never seen it is one of the BEST ways to experience the film. Oh, the looks of shock on their faces . . .

Sometimes, just sometimes, things work out the way you want them to, and life is sweetly, blissfully, wonderful.

Here's the thing: if you "get" Radiohead, their music is literally life-changing and nobody needs to explain a thing. If you don't "get" Radiohead, no amount of explanation can ever be enough. Getting a new record from the boys is like fine dining after eating almost nothing but fast food for a few years.

So, you could say that Radiohead tends to overshadow things a bit . . . and the new record is really terrific.